listen now:OuterSound :: June 2011
In this month’s installment of OuterSound Froglix is featuring a double shot of songs from (5) spectacular bands…all on the Stomp Records label. Needless to say, we have been quite impressed with the talent currently being amassed in the Stomp stable of artists, the latest of which includes the aforementioned Kings of Canadian Ska, Rude City Riot, and while we don’t have any RCR in this particular podcast, we will in the very near future. So be sure check back frequently or, better yet, subscribe to OuterSound on iTunes!
As for this particular show, prepare yourself to be hit right between the eyes with some of the best ska, pyscho-billy, punk, polka (that’s right…freaking polka!) and reggae on the planet. OuterSound lights it up with The Creepshow, The Aggrolites, The Resignators, The Dreadnoughts and The Brains. Buckle up kids… OuterSound is back and better than ever!

artist:HUBgenre: indie-pop, alt-rocklabel: unsignedlisten now:Upside Down::Forget Them::Round and Round
Ok. I have something that I just have to get off my chest. My name is Drago and, under normal circumstances, I have a complete and utter disdain for “singer-songwriters.” Whew! I feel much better now. I’m not altogether sure from whence this animosity emanates or, to that end, what even sparked it in the first place but admitting you have a problem is the first step…right? In any event, I was just about to seek therapy (yes…again) in attempts to uncover the genesis of this rather troubling condition when along comes Josh McFadden and his brainchild HUB. Crisis averted. In fact, I was about half way through HUB’s latest album 8 before I even realized that HUB was actually Josh (and vice versa, of course.) I’m not sure if he is pulling a Kravitz here and playing all of the instruments on this record (perhaps he’ll weigh in via the comments and let us know) but if he is I am duly impressed.“Upside Down” gets out the gate and in yo face from the get go with an opening chord sequence that immediately had me thinking “Oasis!” I suspect that those who consider themselves to fans of the the brothers Gallagher (and even those that don’t) will appreciate the comparison as well as the song. Other notable tracks include “Forget Them” which sports a groovy riff that gives way to a harmony filled hook that I just can’t shake out of me mellon while “Round and Round” swings a bit more to the subtle side compared to the rest of the disc and rocks it with a brit-pop kind of style.
Start to finish 8 is an energetic thrill ride and, while I can’t say I’m 100% cured of my malady, HUB certainly has opened my eyes and, more importantly, my ears to the possibility of a full recovery.

Secrets and Lies
Word has recently reached our ears that brothers Mark and Ian Munroe (better known as IM Munroe) have decided to make a musical split. While we’re not sure exactly why they have decided to go their separate ways, as anyone who has been in a band can attest, “artistic differences” can usually be fingered as the culprit. Regardless of the reason, we certainly appreciate their music and were honoured to have been given the chance to share it with the Froglix Faithful around the world.
So where to do they go from here? Well, we are pleased to report that at least one of the Monroe’s is already back at it and recording new music on his own. Mark’s newest single entitled ‘Secrets and Lies’ explores new areas of sound as he pairs his undeniably unique vocals with more electronic instrumentation than we’ve heard before. The synths are by no means overwhelming and while they do create a mood than is noticeably different than his previous work with brother Ian, the change is indeed an interesting one and definitely worth a listen.

label: unsignedgenre: alt-rock | indie-popNo One Knows
Toronto’s IM Munroeare back in the mix with a new track from I Am Here, their full length disc reviewed by Froglix just a few short months ago. ‘No One Knows’ is an indie rock/pop ballad of sorts that highlights the range of brothers Ian and Mark as musicians, complete with their signature hooks and harmonies. We dig it…but don’t take our word for it, take a listen for yourself and let us know what you think.

It seems that every week we are receiving more and more submissions for our neighbors to the north. Toronto, Canada has become a veritable hot spot for independant music and is home to some excellent indie bands currently in rotation here at Froglix so it’s only fitting that we add another one to the mix this week. Talyor Brown, Giovani Agostini, Scott Dion Brown, Colin Campbell and Radek Macczny are the lads that make up the newest addition to the broadcast, Sypmhony of Nine. So9’s most recent disc, aptly titled Radio, is a captivating blend of raucus guitar riffs (‘Paralyze’ and ‘Dance Club Superstar’), pulsating rhythyms, phat bass lines, perfectly placed keys (‘Sariah In C Minor’) and gritty/powerful vocals exuding a raw energy that hearkens back to something reminiscent of Live’s Mental Jewelry disc. Good song writing, in turn, translates into an excellent performance when put in the hands of talented musicians. Fortunately, So9 delivers all of the above.

I Am Here, the new full-length, debut album from Toronto, Canada’s I M Munroe explores areas of sound that resonate with truth and team with emotion. Brothers Ian and Mark Munroe (the I and the M, respectively) create a musical catharsis that deals with issues that are not only real to them but, in turn, real to all of us. Their delivery is smooth but not soft as Ian’s bold guitar work meshes well with brother Mark’s solid vocal performance which is a redolent mix of a young Ringo Star, Talking Heads front man David Byrne and just a pinch of Richard Butler from the Psychedelic Furs. The difference being Mark has a much better range and, quite frankly, a much better voice than the aforementioned trio.
The strong melody line in “Used to Love You” is complimented by perfectly placed and perfectly pitched harmonies, adding just the right splash of colour to the mix. The same can be said for “Fool”, a song that stresses the importance of following through on that which is vital for one’s personal happiness…despite opposition. “Should Have Known Better” is a bit of a boppy tune that speaks of moving on after a relationship has lingered on beyond that “certain point” where at least one party knows it really is over.
It’s quite evident that the Brothers Munroe have invested a lot of themselves into this their first full-length recording. Memorable hooks, sagacious lyrics and a strong all around performance make this disc a keeper and this band of brothers one to watch for in the future.